Spiritually Speaking….. It Is Game Time

By James Washington |
6/20/2014, 11:40 a.m.

From back in the day, I remembered how hard it was for me to realize that I am in the middle of a battlefield, as are you, and Satan really does want us as trophies. I can’t remember ever being so popular as to be the prize in such a high stakes game of life and death, where my only weapon is my faith. . It is so easy to forget some rather powerful ammunition which would be God’s invitation to become a living testament to His eternal love. The problem is Satan is relentless and prone to attack at any given moment. I don’t know about you but sometimes even on my best days there are distinct moments when focusing on the Word of God is the last thing on my mind.

Events, circumstance and some people make it unlikely, impossible and just plain too hard. I now believe this is when the devil is at the top of his game. That’s what I mean when I say I don’t always realize he wants me as his personal trophy…dead, stuffed and mounted on his wall of shame to claim victory over God. When I’m consciously aware of these things, I understand Satan wants to embarrass, humiliate and like a vengeful scorned lover, hurt the Lord. What better way to do that than to steal something, degrade something, ruin something the devil knows the Lord loves. That would be me and yes, you too.

I don’t know about you but it’s hard to think of myself as that important. It is impossible at times to think of myself as being the pivotal piece in an eternal game of spiritual chess; a King or Queen to One and a pawn to the other. So I guess what I’m trying to say is I am always vulnerable. Like a child who wanders off into a swamp, he or she has no idea of the danger, injury and death lying just steps away. Do you ever feel that way? Lost and in trouble? If I am not vigilant, the devil will take me out and celebrate at my wake.

Therefore, much like the weekend athlete, I pretty much know I have to train and be prepared. But some days I just do not want to work that hard. I just want to be left alone. Can you see how that rather simplistic thought can invite trouble? Can you see how that frame of mind can get you killed in this particular game? The Bible is full of references about those who would be seduced, tricked, abducted and persecuted for being true to the Word of God. God Himself, expresses frustration at times about those who willingly forget (selective memory), or unwillingly choose not to remember who He is and to whom they belong.

The consequences can and are catastrophic (see Israel). So what’s the answer when you’re not feeling it? What’s the answer to being lost in this world? What’s the defense for Satan’s temptations? As simple as it sounds, get into the Word and strategize an offense and a defense of personal testimony. Armed in this fashion, like Jesus in the desert, the devil cannot win. You know better than me, that when you’re determined and focused, you cannot be distracted. That’s why your so called friends think you’re stubborn. There are some qualities we all possess that arm us for this fight. Recognition, understanding, desire and discipline come to mind. Together they guarantee victory for God and humiliation for the devil. I am reminded that sometimes it just takes the will to win. How big is yours today?